# LIBRARY OF C0MGRE8S J 

f 

// .x^... t 



f nSITED STATES OF AMERICA.! 



TWO VOLUMES 



m ONE. 



Memorial Poems 



Clje #Iti Bt^ml-'§omt; 



-A.IsriD OTIiBE, 0CCA.SI01sr-A.Ij PIECES- 



EDMUND TURNEY, 

LATE PROFESSOR OF BIBLICAL LITERATDRE AND INTERPRETATION IN THE FAIEMOUNI 
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 




^^ 



W. H. KELLEY & BROTHER, 

627 BROADWAY. 

1864. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S63, by 

EDMUND TURNEY, 

In tlie Clerk's OfHce of the District Court of the United States for tlie 

Southern District of New-York. 



PREFACE. 



The title of the little volume here given to the pub- 
lic, was not originally, perhaps, so much suggested by 
its contents, as it has been in a manner transferred 
from the author's volume of Memorial Hymns. The 
.character and history of the pieces, however, are such 
as to render it intrinsically entirely approjDriate. Some 
of them are essentially memorial in their obvious de- 
sign and the nature of the subjects of which they treat, 
while each of them, with one or two exceptions, is 
hardly less so in its relations to the experience of the 
author, as being identified with some significant and 

memorable event of his life. Whatever relating to their 

f . 
origin, may be of interest to the reader, is sufficiently 

stated in the Notes which are appended. 

It is hoped that as ,far as they shall come to the 
attention of the public, they will be found to be pro- 
motive of whatever is pure and elevated in the pursuits 



IV PREFACE. 

and aspirations of human life. In each of them, un- 
less the stanzas on pages 31 and 32 he considered an 
exception, the mind is led directly to a contempla- 
tion of the Source of all hlessedness ; and the variety 
of description and reminiscence and reflection and 
experience which they exhibit, may possibly have the 
effect to illustrate by how many links a recognition 
of His attributes and claims is connected with the life 
and conscious obligation of His rational and account- 
able creatures. 

The style of the poetiy, although in each of the 
pieces will be seen some feature of metre, rhythm or 
structure, in which it differs from each of the others, 
is the result not so much of design or study, as of a 
spontaneous attempt to find the most fitting expression 
for the thoughts embodied in the composition. This 
variety of form, while it may possibly be less pleasing 
to some who are accustomed to look for greater uni- 
formity of diction in poetical works of this description, 
will, nevertheless, have the advantage of enabling the 
reader to enter more directly and exactly into the au- 
thor's conception of the different subjects presented to 
notice. 

"Hew Tork, 18G4. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 



THE OLD SCHOOL-HOUSE. 

I. 

A score and half of years 

And somewhat more had flown, 
Whilst I had passed the scenes, the hopes, the fears 
Of youth and early manhood, and the cares 
And duties of maturer years had known ; 
And the pure pleasures of domestic life had been my 
own. 



6 ' MEMORIAL POEMS. 

n. 

I sought once more the spot 

Where the old school-house stood 
In childhood days, and from the vacant lot, 
As one unconscious of the changes wrought. 

Surveyed the rock-bound field, the hill, the wood, 
The brook, the glen, and the rough path my infant 
feet had trod. 

m 

There, though the springing grass 
Had thick the place o'erspread, 
I saw once more the .teacher and her class, 
As o'er my vision seemed afresh to pass 

Each form familiar, though, as time had sped, 
Full many a name had found its record with the si- 
lent dead. 

rv. 
Each happy, smiling face, 
Each glad, responsive look, 
Each sportive game, or well contested race. 
In memory's casket now assumed its place, — 
The flowers we gathered as we passed the brook. 
And, not the least, the lessons learned from the old 
spelling-book. — 



MEMOEIAL POEMS. 7 

V. 

When, witli a joyous pride, 
As swift the moments sped, 
Within that school-room, seated side by side, 
We to our task our little minds applied, 
Then each in turn the studied portion said, 
Nor ceased till each some lesson from the words of 
Christ had read. — 

VI 

When heart to kindred heart, . 

In things by childhood loved. 
Strove each to show a sympathetic part. 
Of which it knew full well the simple art. 

And each glad word and kind expression proved 
How artless was the joy which o'er the infant spirit 
moved. 

vii_ 
I was once more a child ^ 

'Twas like some pleasant dream; 
And yet I knew it was no fancy wild; 
I could not, as I stood, have been beguiled 
To think the vision aught it did not seem; 
The past in memory's ark had simply floated down 
life's stream. 



b MEMORIAL POEMS. 

vnr. 

I'd found that vacant lot 
The key t' unlock the door, 
When scenes of earliest childhood, long forgot, 
Or which, remembered, had been heeded not, 
Each, in its proper place, stood forth once more 
In all the freshness and distinctness of the days of 
yore. 

IX, 

♦ True, 'twas a vision bright 

Of joys which could not last; 
And yet 'twas sweet to linger in the light 
Of those first childhood hours, as, on some height, 
The toil-worn traveler stops a while to cast 
His eye along the way he from some distant point has 
passed. 

X. 

I fain would once again 
Invoke that pleasing spell. 
If but to mark how memory may retain 
The distant past, — how scenes which long have lain 
All hid and dormant in some secret cell, 
May yet spring forth, and with fresh consciousness the 
bosom swell. 



MEMOBIAL POEMS. 9 

XI. 

Nor think those early years 
No lessons can impart, 
To guide and cheer us onward ^mid the cares 
Of sterner life. Our childish hopes and fears, 
The purposes we formed, the transient smart 
Of grief we felt, were all the throbbings of this self- 
same heart. 

XII. 

Nor were the joys we knew, 
When, with the infant mind, 
We learned to love the kind, the good, the true. 
As virtue's image met our transient view. 
Within their sphere less useful or refined 
Than those which now our souls in firmer ties of 
friendship hind. 

XIII. 

Though, like the gentle shower, 
They quickly passed and fled, 
They blessed with influence sweet the present hour; 
A while we felt, nor felt in vain, their power 
To nerve our hearts and teach our feet to tread 
The narrow path of truth and right, by hope and wis- 
dom led. 



10 MEMOEIAL POEMS. 



ONWAED, BEAUTEOUS STREAM. 

(THE OTTA QUECHEE RIVER, IN VERMONT.) 

Onward, onward, gentle stream ! 

Onward to thy primal source ! 
And thy beauteous, sun-light gleam 

Still shall mark thy winding course. 

Pleasant hills and verdant meads 
Wait to greet thee on thy way, 

Where the quiet herdling feeds. 
Or the bleating lambkins stray. 

Now, along thy time-worn bed. 
Urge thy gently rippling tide, 

Where thy silver rays are shed 
On each mirrored mountain side. 

Note on page 39. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 11 

Now within sequestered banks, 

Thickly lined with quivering trees, 

As they rise in snow-white ranks, 
Rustling in the passing breeze. 

Or anon, with rapid bound. 

Dashing o'er some rocky height, 

Where thy foaming crest is crowned 
With the rainbow's varying light j — 

Onward, in their ancient course. 

Waking gladness as they go, 
Onward, with resistless force, 

Let thy crystal waters flow. — 

Plow, and to each breeze that floats 
Near thy brink, soft music lend, 

As thy sweetly varying notes 

With ten thousand voices blend ; — 

Mingling with the insecf^s trill. 

Or the wild-bird's sweeter lays, 
Where along each spruce-clad hill 

Echoes nature's psalm of praise; — ■ 



12 MEMORIAL POEMS. 

Answering to the lowing herd, 
Or tlie distant tinkling bell, 

Or each sound of leaflets stirred 
In the cliff-environed dell. 

In the music of thy strain. 
Bear thy benefactions on ; 

And through dale and smiling plain 
Freely shall thy gifts be strown; — 

Where the wild flower tempts the bee, 
Blooming in the deep ravine, — 

Where each plant and shrub and tree 
Marks thy course in livelier green; — 

Where the raven stoops to drink. 
Dropping from the mountain's brow, 

Or the robin seeks thy brink. 

Flitting from the hemlock bough; — ■ 

Where his cask the shepherd fills, 
'Neath the eddy-sculptured rock, 

Or from o'er the sun-parched hills, 
Thither brings his panting flock. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 18 

Thus shall man and beast and bird, 
Flowers and trees and earth and air, 

Of thy varied good conferred 
Each spontaneous witness bear. 

Or, by force of human skill, 

Thou shalt other gifts impart. 
Rushing o'er the rapid wheel, 

Leaving thousand works of art. 

Gift of love and power divine ! 

Type and messenger of good ! 
Glad I would a while recline 

By thy swiftly gliding flood. 

In thy waters let me lave, 

Where the pendent willows springs 

Bear me on thy limpid wave; 

Health and vigor may'st thou bring. 

Onward, onward, beauteous stream ! 

Onward to thy primal source ! 
And a richer sun-light gleam 

Hence shall mark thy winding course. 



14 MEMORIAL POEMS. 



LET ME DRINK THE MOUNTAIN AIR. 

I. 

Let me drink tlie mountain air, 

Where tlie pine its fragrance sheds,- 
Flee a while corroding care, 

Where the noiseless rabbit treads. 
Through the deep sequestered grove, 

O'er the hill-side bleak and bare, 
Onward, onward let me rove, 

Drinking still the mountain air. 

II. 
Up the rugged mountain's brow. 

Higher, higher, higher still. 
Clinging to each pendent bough, 

Vying with the huntsman's skill. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 15 

Onward, onward let me climb, 

Naught of nerve or muscle spare, 
Till I reach its top sublime, 

Drinking; still the mountain air. 



Where the lonely summit rock 

Smiles to meet the wintry blast. 
Or the lightning's fiercer shock, ' 

Let me view the landscape vast. 
As its varying light displays 

Fields and groves and streamlets fair. 
Let me stretch my lingering gaze, 

Drinking: still the mountain air. 



IV. 

Let me trace the cascade stream, 

Crushing from its rocky font, 
As it casts its silvery gleam 

O'er the hills of bright Vermont. 
Or its cool, refreshing tide. 

With the mountain lynx to share, 
Let me press its mossy side, 

Drinkino; still the mountain air. 



16 MEMORIAL POEMS. 

V. 
Or, through mingled bush and brake, 

Let me reach the winding shore 
Of yon placid, spruce-bound lake, 

Where the boatman plies his oar. 
As he lifts the pendent trout 

From its crystal waters fair. 
Let me hear - his gladsome shout, 

Drinking ■ still the mountain air. 

.VI 

Where the fitful zephyr floats, 

Murmuring through the poplar glade, 
Or the lambkin's plaintive notes 

Issue from the hill-side shade. 
Let me hear my Father's voice. 

Let me mark His wondrous care, 
In His power and love rejoice. 

Drinking still the mountain air. 

VII. 

Let me drink the mountain air. 

Where the pine its fragrance sheds, — 

Flee a while corroding care, 

Where the noiseless rabbit treads. 



MEMOEIAL POEMS. 17 

Through the dee]) sequestered grove, 
O'er the hill-side bleak and bare, 

Onward, onward let me rove, ( 

Drinkins" still the mountain air. 



18 MEMORIAL POEMS. 



A SABBATH ON THE PRAIRIE. 



A Sabbath on tbe prairie ! 

So calm and still and bright ! 
The sun serenely shining 

"With soft and mellow light— 

The mist-cloud gliding slowly 
Across the azure sky — 

The gently murmuring zephyr 
So lightly flitting by — 

The flowers their heads uplifting, 
Of rich and varied hue, 

Or, half concealed, still sparkling 
With drops of morning dew — ■ 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 

The cricket's trilling accents — 
The wild bee's harp-string note — 

The herd-bell's distant echoes, 
As on the breeze they float — 

All speak of boundless goodness, 
Of power and skill Divine; 

All tune Jehovah's praises. 
Or with His glory shine. 

Within this sky-encurtained, 

Horizon-bounded dome. 
This bright and glorious temple, 

Where love and beauty bloom, — 

Where signs of truth and grandeur 
Their Author's name declare, 

I lift my heart in worship, 
I bow my soul in prayer. 



19 



Grand Prairie, 
MarioQ Co., 111., Aug. 27, 1860. 



20 MEMORIAL POEMS. 



THOUGHTS OF GOD. 



I love, when the sun is bright, 

To look forth from the mountain side, 
And view, in its noon-day light, 

The face of the landscape wide. 
I love, in the clear, still night, 

To look forth on the star-lit arch, 
And gaze, as its orbs of light 

Move on in majestic march. 
I think of a Power on high. 

Enrobed in an unseen light, 
As I see, through the earth and sky, 

These proofs of a boundless might. 



II. 

I love, from the leaf-clad trees. 

To look forth on the fruitful plain. 

The rhythm in these stanzas, although slightly uneven, has been adoptdd 
■with special reference to its adaptation to M u s 1 c of an easy, flowing 
movement. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 21 

As wave in the summer's breeze 

The meadows and ripening grain ; — 
Or to list to each joyous sound 

Which breaks on the echoing air, 
As the woods and the fields resound 

With hymns to some bounteous care. 
As I pass o'er the verdant lea, 

As I roam through the pathless grove, 
I think that in all I see 

Are proofs of a boundless love. 

in. 
Yet sweeter and lovelier far, 

In the hope of release from sin, 
Is the light of the Morning Star/ 

As it beams on the soul within. 
'T is the pledge of a glorious day, 

At the close of the Christian's strife, 
As it points with unerring ray 

To the bliss of an endless life. 
I exult in that wond^us plan 

Which shows in Immanuel's face, 
In the work He hath wrought for man, 

The proofs of a boundless grace. 

a Rev. 22 ; 16. 



22 MEMORIAL POEMS. 



THE METEOR. 

'T was here that the meteor broke, 
And scattered its fragments athwart; 

Here fell the aerial rock, 

In the plat of mine infancy's sport. 

For a moment it spread o'er the night 
The dazzling effulgence of noon; 

It had suddenly gleamed on the sight; 
It faded and vanished as soon. 



* The following stanzas are introduced as a section from " Rominis- 
cences" of some of the scenes and incidents pertaining to the home of the 
author's childhood. Their reference to a phenomenon of most extraor- 
dinary character, and the moral lesson not unnaturally drawn from it in 
the completion of the picture, will probably be regarded as sufficient to 
justify their insertion in their present connection. It is hoped their form 
will be found to be not unsuited to the nature of the facts treated of. It 
was the aim of the author, in the use of a natural, easy rhythm, which 
should be well sustained throughout, to secure the truthfulness and clear- 
ness of description which properly pertains to the narrative style. Any 
thing beyond this might have been deemed superfluous. The historical 
facts referred to, will be found more fully stated on page 41. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. . 23 

But, though passing from view as it broke, 

It scarcely was lost to the eye, 
Ere more than the thunder's loud shock 

Announced its descent from the sky. 

How swiftly it sped on its course, 

As if naught could its progress arrest — 

TiU, — increasing each moment in force, — 
It sank deep to the place of its rest. 

How oft with mine infantile mind, 
As my parents the story rehearsed, 

I fancied some trace I could find 

Still left at the point where it hurst. 

And how oft did the query arise, 

' Whence, whence could this visitant come ? 

Or why should this Child of the skies 
Thus seek on our planet a home? 

What laws had its action controlled 

Where none its dark pathway could trace? 

Or how long, all unseen, had it rolled 
Through the depths of etherial space ? 



24 . MEMORIAL POEMS. 

What cause could its motion disturb 

In that region, unknown, whence it came? 

Or why should, on its course, the dark orb 
So suddenly burst into flame ?' 

As thus I intently revolved 

These thoughts, — which I could not restrain,- 
Though the mystery was left still unsolved, 

I found not my querying vain. 

I thought how the wisdom of God 

The whole system of nature had planned, 

And how wide might be scattered abroad 
These wonderful works of His hand ; — 

How — much, which no eye had discerned, 
No process of science could trace, 

"Was yet in reserve to be learned 

In the kingdoms of nature and grace; — 

How our planet, which ne'er from its course 
Since the mom of creation had swerved, 

Urged on by centrifugal force. 

Yet safe in its circuit presei-ved, — 



MEMOKIAL POEMS. 25 

Might yet by some cause, all unknown 
Save to Him from whose fiat it came, 

From the path of its orbit be thrown, 
And wrapped in an ocean of flame; — 

How narrow the sphere of our sight, 
While beyond lay a limitless field, 

All rayless except for the light 

Of that truth in the Scriptures revealed.' 

These thoughts of my childhood and youth. 
Their impress have left on my mind; 

I still love that pure system of truth 
Which alone in the Scriptures I find. 

I love it for what it reveals 

Of GrOd's wise and mysterious plan ; 

I love it for what it conceals 

From the gaze of presumptuous man. 

With a firm and unwavering faith 
I will walk in its soul-cheering light. 

Till I pass the dark valley of death, 
And faith shall be turned into sight. 



26 MEMORIAL POEMS 



IN THE LAND OF MY EXILE. 



In the laud of my exile I sigh for release ; 

I sigh for the scenes and the pleasures of home; 
Oh ! when will this wearisome sojourning cease ? 

Away from each loved one, how long must I roam f 

I think of the days and the scenes that are past, 

Of the smiles of the home I once claimed as my own- 
How long must this wearisome sojourning last ? 
How long must I wander and struggle alone ? 

Each change of the seasons, each fruit and each flower 
Brings sadness and pain to my desolate heart, 



*A sufficient explanation of allusions in the three following pieces., to 
facts and incidents in the experience of the writer, as also of the circum- 
stances which have led to the publication of the pieces in their present 
form, may be found in the Note on page 45. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 27 

As I watch, but in vain, for the long promised hour 
Which, announcing my freedom, should bid me depart. 

The leaves of the autumn have withered and gone ; 

The snows of the winter have fallen and passed ; 
The spring-flowers in beauty and fragrance have blown J 

And the midsummer days are now fleeing as fast. 

Oh ! when will this wearisome sojourning cease ? 

Away from my loved one, how long must I roam ? 
In the land of my exile I sigh for release ; 

I sigh for the scenes and the pleasures of home. 



Yet, Lord, in Thy goodness I still may rejoice, 

In the land of my sojourn still trust in Thy name, 

As I pause on the mountain to list to Thy voice. 
Proclaiming Thy love from the midst of the flame. 

In the faith of Thy promise my strength is renewed ; 

In the midst of the darkness Thy light is revealed; 
Thou ' givest Thy grace,' and ' withholdest no gdod ; ' 

Thou still, my God, art my ' Sun ' and my ' Shield.' 



28 MEMORIAL POEMS. 



THE LINaEKING". 



THe leaves of the autumn are fading; 

The last flowers of summer have blown/ 
The vintage is ripened and gathered ; — 

And I still am an exile alone. 

My kindred are far o'er the mountain; 

No home friend or loved one is near ; 
In the patience of hope I have lingered 

Through eleven weary months of the year. 

I have trodden the pathway of sorrow ; 
, The pressure of want I have known ; 
In poverty's vale I have struggled, — ■ 
Have struggled and labored alone. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 29 

The volumes which once lay before me, 

So familiar and dear to my eye, 
Are now scattered and gone to the stranger, — 

Their places I ne'er shall supply. 

With sad and yet mingled emotion 

My spirit has turned to the past, 
When the home-smile of hope and of gladness 

O'er each scene of my labor was cast ; — 

When the light-beaming eye of affection 
From my partner in joy and in grief, 

So swift, for each pang of my spirit, 
Came fraught with unfailing relief; — 

When the harp-string of thought and emotion, 
All tuned with the vigor of youth, 

Was strung on each bright Sabbath morning, 
To sound forth the sweet messao-e of truth : — 



When that message, in accents unbroken, 
To loved pupils I sought to unfold 

Through the language the Spirit had spoken 
By apostles and prophets of old. 



30 MEMORIAL POEMS. 

Oh ! wlien, from my exile returning, 
Shall I flee ■ to my loved one away ? 

My spirit here lingers with yearning — 
How long must the moment delay ? 

Or how long shall the harp-string lie broken ? 

When again shall its echoes be heard, 
By the aid of the Spirit proclaiming 

His precious and life-giving word ? 

My Father, with patient submission, 
I thankfully bow to Thy will ; 

I repose on Thy promise of mercy ; 
I trust in Thy providence still. 

In the proofs of Thy goodness rejoicing, 
Alike in the sunshine and storm, 

Whate'er be the labor assigned me, 
That labor I gladly perform. 

Sept. 26, 1860. 



MEMOKIAIi POEMS. 31 



THE RETURN. 



Bear me onward, bear me onward, 
To the home where loved ones dwell ; 

Tender thoughts of sweet re-union, 
Every anxious care dispel. 

Like the lone dove, o'er the mountain, 
From its prison bars set free, 

To the hearts that wait to greet me, 
From my exile let me flee. 

Autumn's rich and beauteous grandeur 
Brightly bursts upon my sight • 

But in vain it bids me linger ; 

Naught can check my onward flight. 



32 MEMOKIAL POEMS. 

Wliy should passing scenes detain me ? 

Bring they aught which seemeth new ? 
All, within these weary twelve months, 

Oft has passed before my view. — 

Oft I've traced these winding valleys 
Where the mountain streamlets flow ; 

Oft have seen these lofty summits 
Rohed in winter's drifting snow; — 

Oft have marked the spring-time verdure 
Richly mantling hill and plain. 

Or these fields, in summer's sunlight, 
Waving with the ripened grain. 

Glad I leave them now behind me, 
Mountains, valleys, streamlets, all, — 

Bear me onward, bear me onward 
To the home where loved ones call. 



MEMOKIAL POEMS. 33 



GOD SAVE OUR COUNTRY'S FLAG. 



God save our Country's flag ! 

Long may it wave 
In triumpli o'er the free, 

The noble, brave, — 
The sign of Liberty 

Our fathers gave ! 

u. 

Grod save our Country's flag ! 

No traitor hand 
May hurl it from its place ; 

No rebel band 
May trail it in disgrace 

O'er this fair land. 



34 MEMOEIAIi POEMS. 

m. 

God save our Country's flag ! 

With colors bright 
Still may it float afar 

In heaven's pure light ! 
By every stripe and star, 

God speed the right ! 



The foi'egoing simple stanzas are associated, in their original publication, 
with the first uprising of the nation to resist the present rebellion. They 
were suggested in connection with the raising of the flag of Fort Sumpter, 
at Union Square, New York, on the memorable 20th of April, 1861. The 
reference to the fiag of the country, as the "sign of liberty," bequeathed 
by our fathers, is intended as a recognition of its original, historical con- 
nection with the avowal and promulgation of the national faith as set 
forth in the Declaration of Independence. In the preservation of the au- 
thority or government which it represents, we may hope for the perpetual 
recognition as well as the more perfect realization of the self-evident 
principles in the annu^nciation of which the nation had its origin, and by 
which it sought to be distinguished. 



MEMOKIAL POEMS. 35 



AN EXTRACT. 

There's naught in earth or sea or sky, 

By Love devised or Wisdom wrought, 
To please the taste or charm the eye, 

Or light the hidden realm of thought, — 
There's not a joy or hope or fear, 

From worldly pride and avarice free, 
But utters in my listening ear 

Some strain of sacred Poesy. 

I hear it in the insect's trill ; 

I hear it in the thunder's roar ; 
I hear it in the mountain rillj 

I hear it on the ocean shore. 



* From au imflnished poem on the relations of Poetry to Nature and 
Life. 



36 MEMORIAL POEMS. 

I hear it wliere tlie whirlwind's power 
Sweeps on with desolating wrath, 

And giant oak and massive tower 
Lie prone and shattered in its path. 

I hear it where the flitting breeze, 
Along the bank of woodland lake, 

Scarce whispers through the pendent trees, 
Or moyes a leaflet of the brake. — 

Nor less ou some lone mountain height, 

Where, far from sound of beast or bird. 
Beneath the sunbeams' noiseless light. 

Not e'en a fir-tree branch is stirred. 
Oh ! the deep music of the scene. 

As o'er the landscape far and wide, 
With joy ecstatic yet serene. 

My thoughts in hallowed musings glide ! 
Each beauteous form in light or shade, — 

The hill-side clad with ripened grain, — =^ 
The pastures through the winding glade, — 

The groves which skirt the checkered plain,- 
The forest ridge, whose cliff-line top 

Is seen above the gathering shower, — ■ 

^See Note on page 4T. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 37 

The flocks whicli dot the distant slope, — 
The farm-house in its cultured bower, — 

The hamlet with its temple spire, 

Beside the streamlet's silvery flood, — 

Are strings in nature's wondrous lyre, 
All vocal with the praise of Grod. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 39 



NOTES. 



JSTOTE A. 

Tlie poem on pages 10-13, written in 1859, relates 
to the beautiful stream called tlie Otta Quec/iee Biver, 
which rises in the Green Mountains in Central Yermout, 
and, after a winding course of some forty miles, falls 
into the Connecticut at North Hartland, The scenery 
along its course, in its variety of mountain and plain, 
woodland and meadow, and in its numerous water-falls, 
ravines, excavations in the rocks, etc., presents many 
points of exceeding interest and beauty. Among the 
forest trees along its banks may be seen the white birch, 
intermingling its leaves with those of the white poplar, 
and supjjlying in its snow-white trunk and branches, a 
striking feature in the landscape. 

A mountain river is a beautiful emblem of a Chris- 
tian life, now sending out its enlivening and refreshing 
influence, unseen and in silence, and known in its pro- 
gress only by its effects, now bursting into view, and 



40 MEMORIAL POEMS. 

shedding its reflected light and beauty far and wide 
oyer the landscape, now pressing on in its mission of 
good with steady and uniform and unruffled movement, 
now struggling with the obstacles which may lie in its 
pathway, and never content till it has surmounted or 
passed them, ever active, ever useful, ever becoming a 
source of delight and exhilaration to those who come 
within the reach of its influence, and perpetually has- 
tening on to the great fountain v/hence it originally de- 
rived its existence. It will require but a slight effort 
of the imagination to transfer the address, in the reci- 
tation of tbe lines, from the material to the ideal. 

The lines headed, " Let me drink the mountain air,''' 
on pages 14-17, were suggested by scenes and incidents 
and facts vYliich came within the observation and experi- 
ence of the writer, while spending a few days in the 
heart of the Green Mountains, in the summer and au- 
tumn of 1859. During the time, he ascended Killington 
Peak, which lies, ia the midst of the unbroken wilder- 
ness, some eight miles east from Rutland, reaching the 
height of more than 3000 feet, and terminating, as seen 
from the west, in a bald rock, which rises far above 
the intervening forests. Near the foot of this mountain, 
toward the north, is a beautiful lakelet, frequently re- 
sorted to on excursions for fishing. 



MEMOEIAL POEMS. 41 



Note B. 

The stanzas on pages 22-25, composed on occasion of 
a recent visit of the writer to the home of his child- 
hood, in Easton (formerly Weston,) Ct., relate to a re- 
markable phenomenon which occurred at that place, on 
the morning of the 14th of December, 1807. A little 
before day, a meteoric stone of vast magnitude, pre- 
senting the appearance of a globe of fire of intense brill- 
iancy, was seen by many individuals in different parts 
of the township, passing with great velocity through the 
heavens, until, when near the zenith, it suddenly van- 
ished from sight and exploded, scattering its fragments 
over an area of many miles in circuit. One of these 
fragments, which was seen in its descent by Mr. Elihu 
Staples, and which fell in an enclosure near his resi= 
dence, was estimated by Prof. Silliman to have weighed 
two hundred pounds. Many others, in some instances 
imbedded at a considerable depth in the earth, were 
found in various localities. One was soon after depos- 
ited in the cabinet of Yale College, where it is now to 
be seen. A small fragment is also in the possession of 
the writer. It is possible, however, that of the whole 
mass, falling, for the most part, in forests and swamps 
and other unfrequented places, but a small portion was 
ever discovered. 



42 MEMOEIAL POEMS. 

Prof. Silliman in a recent letter addressed to the 
writer, says : " Your reminiscences of the Weston (now 
Easton) meteor, revive that subject in my mind very 
vividly, although more than fifty years have passed since 
in company with my late friend, Prof. Kingsley, I ex- 
plored the facts at the places where they occurred. It 
was a magnificent phenomenon, and remains to this day 
among the most remarkable occurrences of the kind that 
are on record." 

The description in the stanzas, may be considered 
sufiiciently exact to serve the purpose of the allusion, 
even though it be assumed, according to the commonly 
accepted theory, apparently established by the facts as 
observed, that the body of the meteor, after entering 
the atmosphere, and depositing portions of its substance 
on the earth, passed on in its course through the heav- 
ens. On any supposition, an unusual, extraneous dis- 
turbing force must be admitted. And that such dis- 
turbing forces, whether from without or from within, 
are impossible in respect to the larger heavenly bodies, 
it is clearly beyond the province of science to affirm. 

Very much relating to the origin and movements of 
the meteoric bodies which occasionally come within the 
limits of our atmosphere, or fall to the surface of the 
earth, is yet involved in mystery; and, from the nature 
of the case, it would seem it must ever remain so. Very 
little beyond conjecture has been attained since Prof. 
Silliman, in connection with his description of the 
Weston meteor, remarked concerning the theory pro- 
pounded by himself: "Yet there are such objections to 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 43 

tliis and every otter hypothesis, that, until we have more 
facts and better observation, the phenomenon must be 
considered as in a great measure inexplicable." It will 
be claimed by few, that, in the general facts and laws 
pertaining to the planetary system, as commonly re- 
cognized by astronomy, there is anything which would 
originally suggest the existence of these meteoric stones, 
flying through the unknown depths of space, in lines 
crossing each other at very different angles, and such 
as to bring them into contact with the atmosphere or 
body of the earth. Perhaps, aside from their occasional 
actual ajDpearance^ we should not hesitate to assume, if 
not the impossibility, at least the extreme improbability 
of tlieir existence. Nor is it for us to determine how 
miuiy other things which the known facts of science 
might not suggest, are, even as related to the physical 
universe, within the range of the products and possibili- 
ties of infinite creative tower. 

The facts discoverable by science are, within their 
sphere, in perfect harmony with the truths of Revela- 
tion. Indeed, many of them, relating, not only to the 
innumerable constantly recurring proofs of beneficent 
design in every part of the creation, but to the very 
origin of the earth in its present form, its external and 
internal structure, its wonderful original adaptation to 
the wants and obvious destiny of man in the progress 
of his history, and, not the least, the very capacity of 
man to investigate these facts, by which he is separated, 
and this by an impassable barrier, at an immeasurable 
distance from the brute creation, furnish an additional 



44 MEMOKIAL POEMS* 

and most interesting confirmation of these truths, and 
unite with the latter in teaching the importance of 
having our minds and hearts brought into conscious 
sympathy with what, even aside from revelation, we 
intuitively recognize as the moral nature of God. His 
government over those whom, in the very structure and 
operation of their mind^ He has made accountable, is, 
in the actual administration of it, a moral government. 
Viewing man as he is, we see in the gospel, with its 
revelations of spiritual truth, and its profi'ered blessings 
of grace, a provision not less adapted to the conscious 
wants and higher aspirations of his spiritual nature, than 
is the earth with its products, to his physical necessi- 
ties. 

If, even within the physical world, there are phenome- 
na which the ordinary known course of physical na- 
ture might not lead us to expect, which, apart from 
their actual occurrence, we might, perhaps, pronounce 
incredible, what so natural as that, pertaining to man's 
higher sphere of existence, the world of intellectual and 
moral and spiritual ideas, hopes, fears, experiences, re- 
lations, in which in reality he chiefly lives, we should 
find in the revelation of Grod that which is adapted to 
its necessities ? It is only as man walks in the light 
of this revelation, and in sympathy with its require- 
ments, that he walks truly, in a manner becoming his 
nature, and in a manner which gives conscious com- 
posure and satisfaction to that nature. 



MEStOBIAIi POEMS. 45 



Note C. 

Neither of tlie three pieces on pages 26-33, might 
have found a place in the present volume, except for 
a circumstance connected with the publication of the 
first entirely beyond the author's control. Soon after it 
wag written, in the summer of 1860, it was handed to 
a dear friend for his personal perusal j and by him it 
was inserted in the Cincinnati Gazette. Having been 
subsequently copied into several other periodicals in dif- 
ferent parts of the country, it had presently become 
fully the property of the public, in a manner to the 
author as unexpected as it was unsoiight. The two 
pieces which follow, are but the complement of the first, 
and are, in some sense, necessary to its proper ex- 
planation. Their publication in the form in which they 
are here given, can do no harm; and as the facts and 
experience referred to, have a direct relation to the 
author's more public life, this expression of them may 
possibly not be unwelcome to those who may have been 
interested, either directly or indirectly, in his former 
labors. 

The stanzas published in the Cincinnati G-azette, 
and which are here inserted as they were originally 
written, were introduced by the following editorial 
remark : " The following touching lines will find a 



46 MEMORIAL POEMS. 

response in many a Leart wtich sighs after an absent 
friend." They are, however, the expression of emotions 
excited in contemplation, not so much of absence from 
home friends, as of the circumstances which rendered 
that absence peculiarly trying and painful. Unable to 
prosecute his accustomed labors by an affection of the 
vocal organs, unexpectedly cut off from an anticipated 
source of income with which the labors of former years 
had been identified, and left as the result with ill health 
in circumstances of great destitution and embarrassment, 
the writer had hoped, by protracting his sojourn at the 
West, to avail himself of means to gain some more 
favorable standing point with regard to the future. A 
contemplated absence from home friends at the East of 
a few weeks, was thus - prolonged to a whole year. 
During this time, sickness on the one hand, and the 
multiform pressure of poverty, on the other, conjoined 
with a felt want of all that is expressed by the word 
home, and, more than all, perhaps, the ever present 
consciousness of a suspension, in the prime of manhood, 
of the loved employment of former years, the chosen 
work of his life, were ingredients in his cup of trial 
which did not fail to give it the savor of bitterness. 
It is with emotions of inexpressible gratitude and joy, 
however, that he records the fact that amidst these 
days of external darkness, he has, for the most part, 
possessed the delightful consciousness that the light of 
the Divine love has not ceased to shine full and bright 
upon Jiis pathway. 



MEMORIAL POEMS. 47 



Note D. 

The autLor does not doubt that most perhaps all 
of the objects which he has presented in the last ten or 
twelve lines of the "Extract" printed on pages 35-37, 
as illustrations of the thought expressed at the close, 
have often been separately referred to for various pur- 
poses, and with various description, by writers in poetry 
and in prose, in portraying the features of a landscape. 
He does not perceive, however, that he ought on this 
account to be deterred from using them for the spe- 
cific purpose for which they are here summoned, and 
with such description as may seem to him at once the 
most comprehensive and- the most suggestive of pleasant 
memories and reflections. " There may be, moreover, in 
addition to the general construction or form of the pas- 
sage, somewhat in the grouping, the passing from the 
inanimate to the animate, the domestic, the social, the 
sacred, as well as in the drapery which is thrown over 
the representation as a whole, and possibly in some un- 
usual features of description, which will present a rural 
landscape, as viewed from the summit of a lofty moun- 
tain, in some new aspects of beauty and interest. It 
was mostly, however, irrespective of any such incidental 
efiect, that the author aimed at calling to his service 
those objects which, as pictured on his recollection, pre- 



48 MEMORIAL POEMS. 

sented themselves as the most appropriate, — partly as 
being the most prominent and striking, and the most 
pleasing in their associations, — as they were related to 
the main purpose of the allusion. 



MEMOEIAL POEMS. 49 



INDEX. 



PAOB. 



The Old School-House, 5 

Onward, Beauteous Stream, 10 

Let me Drink the Mountain Air, . , , . .14: 

A Sabbath on the Prairie, 18 

Thoughts of God, 20 

The Meteor, 22 

In the Land of my Exile, .26 

The Lingering, 28 

The Return, • , . 31 

God Save our Country's Flag, 33 

An Extract, 35 

Notes, 39-48 



MEMORIAL HYMNS; 



mxQB in tlje Pi0xtse d mg ^ilgrima:ge* 



EDMUND TURKEY, 

Late Professor of Biblical Literature and Interpretation in tlie 
Fairmount Theological Seminary. 



' Thy statutes have been mt songs in the house op mt pilghimage. " 

I'SALM 119:54. 



W. H. KELLEY & BROTHER, 

627 BROADWAY. 

1864. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by 

EDMUND TURNEY, 

In tlie Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the 

Southern District of New-Yorlc. 



PREFACE. 



Most of tlie hymns on the following pages, were 
gathered by their author into a manuscript volume as 
early as the year 1860, and were at that time submit- 
ted for examination to a number of his esteemed friends 
of different Christian denominations, whose names are 
widely and favourably known to the public ; and, as the 
result, he was strongly urged to take measures for their 
publication. The heading first used in connection with 
the manuscript, has been retained as the title of the 
published work. It is designed to designate the pieces 
as hymns of personal experience. Most of them are to 
their author as so many memorials or way-marks along 
the journey of life; and on each, in his apprehension of 
them, is inscribed, as with the finger of Divine love and 
faithfulness, " Eben-ezer." That they may be variously 
useful to others, as expressions of the emotions naturally 



iv PREFACE. 

pertaining to a Cliristian experience, is his sincere de- 
sire and prayer ; althougli lie is aware tliey can never 
possess for another the peculiar interest and preciousness 
with which they are invested in his own mind. 

The hymns relating to particular occasions or to spe- 
cial objects of Christian labor, which are inserted at the 
close of the volume, will not, it is hoped, be unwelcome 
in such a connection. They may serve as an addition- 
al indication of the inseparable relation of a proper ap- 
prehension of the truths and privileges of Christianity, 
to the activities of the Christian life. 

'He^ York, 1864. 



00]N^TE]N[TS. 



PAGE. 

THE HAIiLOWED MORN, 7 

HOME IN HEAVEN, 9 

ALL IS LIGHT, 10 

HOPE IN THE LORD, ...... 12 

OH ! LET ME LIVE TO THEE, . . . . .14 

CLING TO JESUS, 16 

GIFTS OF GRACE, 18 

HEAVENLY GUIDANCE, 20 

TRUST IN GOD, 22 

HE WILL STRENGTHEN THY HEART, .... 24 

THE BETTER LAND, 26 

LIGHT IN DARKNESS, 27 

THE PEACE OF GOD, 29 

I LIFT UP MY SOUL UNTO THEE, . . . . 30 

MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND, 32 

WALKING BY FAITH, 33 

LIVING TO CHRIST, 34 

THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIM, 86 

RESPONSE OP GRATITUDE, 38 



VI CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

HEAVENLY LIGHT, 89 

IN THE HOUSE OF MY PILGRIMAGE, . . . .41 

HEAVENLY ASPIRATION, 42 

CASTING OUR CARE ON GOD, 44 

IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD, .... 46 

CONFIDENCE IN SUBMISSION, ..... 47 

SUFFICIENCY IN GOD, 49 

IN REMEMBRANCE OF MB, . . . ■. . ,50 

THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH, 52 

IN THE SPIRIT ON THE LORd's DAY, . . . .54 

DAY OF FREEDOM, 5G 

AN EVENING HYMN OP PRAISE, 58 

I LAID ME DOWN AND SLEPT, 59 

A THANKSGIVING HYMN, 60 

NATIONAL THANKSGIVING, . . . . . 62 

HAPPY CHILDREN, . . . . . . .64 

COME TO JESUS, LITTLE ONE, . . . . 66 

THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER, . . . . ... 67 

FELLOW-HELPERS, 69 

WELCOME, BROTHER, TO THY STATION, . . 71 

DOXOLOGY, 73 



MEMORIAL HYMNS, 



THE HALLOWED MORN. 
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day." — Eer. 1 : 10, 

Oh 1 sweet the hallowed morn 
On which the Saviour rose ! 
I hail thy quiet dawn, 

Thy calm and blest repose : 
I cast away each worldly care, 
To spend thine hours in praise and prayer. 

My heart would fain prolong, 
In accents sweet and loud, 
That primal Sabbath song. 
When all the sons of God 
In full, harmonic concert sang . 
His love from whom creation sprang; — 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 

Or, in diviner strain, 

With, all the heavenly choir, 
The bright, seraphic train, 
Attune anew the lyre 
In praise to Him, my living Head, 
Who rose triumphant from the dead. 

In sweet and grateful lays, 

I touch the sounding chord; 
I sing His power and grace; 
I trust his faithful word, 
Nor doubt His resurrection love 
Will bring .me to His rest above. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 



HOME IN HEAVEN. 



"We have here no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 
Heb. xiii: 14, 



Sweet tliouglit ! this world is not my home I 
This scene of toil, and care, and strife ! 

I press to reach, beyond the tomb, 
The bliss of an immortal life. — 

Where joy, unsullied and serene, 

Shall round me cast its living light, 

Nor cloud nor veil e'er intervene 

To hide my Saviour from my sight; — 

Where the sweet glories of His face, 
Shall open to my ravished view 

The mystery of redeeming grace, 
In forms of love for ever new. 



10 MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 

Then let me be a stranger here; 

I would not find on earth my rest, 
But haste, with aim and zeal sincere, 

To gain the mansions of the bless' d. 



ALL IS LIGHT. 

"In Thy light shall we see light."— Ps. 36: 8. 

What though storm-clouds gather round me, 

Hovering darkly o'er my way? 
While I see the cross of Calvary 

Beaming with celestial ray, 
All is light, all is light! 

What though mortal powe-rs may falter? 

Earthly plans and prospects fail ? 
With a heaven-born hope which entereth 

E'en to that within the veil, 
All is light, all is light! 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 11 

What though all my future pathway 

Be from mortal sight concealed? 
With the love of Jesus glowing, 

As it lies to faith revealed, 
All is light, all is light! 

E'en though death's deep vale before me 
Seem o'erspread with thickest gloom, 

While I see a heavenly radiance 
Bursting from beyond the tomb, 
All is light, all is light I 



12 MEMORIAL HYMNS 



HOPE IN THE LORD. 



"Hope thoii in God; for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His 
countenance." — Ps. 42: 5. 



Hope in the Lord, my soul, 

Nor let tliy courage fail ; 
Though strong the billows roll, 
His power controls the gale : 
The self-same hand which bore the ark 
High o'er the flood, directs thy bark. 



Hope in the Lord, my soul, 

Howe'er with grief oppressed; 
He makes the stricken whole ; 
He gives the troubled rest : 
What balm His words of grace impart, 
To sooth and cheer the wounded heart ! 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 13 

Hope in the Lord, my soul, 

Though dark thy way appear ; 
Press onward to the goal ; 
Dispel each doubt and fear : 
Along the path of life and light 
His hand will guide thy steps aright. 



Hope in the Lord, my soul, 

Though sin its claims assert ; 
Let faith thy fears control ; 
Let faith its power exert 
To lead thee to the Lamb of Grod 
To bathe thee in His cleansing blood. 



Hope in the Lord, my soul, 

Through all thine earthly strife. 
Did He thy name enroll 
Within the book of life ? — 
And wilt thou now distrust His love 
To bring thee to thy home above ? 



Hope in the Lord, my soul, 
E'en in that fearful day, 



14 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 

Wlien, folded as a scroll, 

The heavens shall pass away: 
Survey the scene with joy and peace^ 
Accepted in His righteousness. 



OH ! LET ME LIVE TO THEE ! 



"That they who live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but 
unto Him who died for them and rose again." — 2 Cor. 5: 15. 



Oh ! let me live to Thee ! 

Thou in whom I live I 
The life Thou givest me 
To Thee again I give : 
Henceforth I live to Thee alone ; 
My heart and service are Thine own. 

Oh ! let me live to Thee 1 
Thou Source of every good ! 

Thou freely gav'st for me 

Thine own most precious blood: 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 15 

The purchase of that blood is Thine ; 
Thy cross alone is henceforth mine. 

Oh ! let me live to Thee ! 

'Tis only then I live; 
Naught else in human life 
Can pure contentment give. 
How lightly has each burden pressed 
Since Thou didst give my spirit rest ! 

Oh ! let me live to Thee 

Whilst mortal life remains ! 
And when through death my soul 
Some higher sphere attains, 
Then, with my chains forever riven, 
Oh I let me live to Thee in heaven ! 



16 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 



[A maiden daughter, while sitting by the bed-side of her only surviving 
parent, as she vras breathing her last, exclaimed, in the intensity of her 
grief, "Mother, what shall I do when tjou are gone?" "Cling to Jesus," 
was the response of the aged pilgrim. The incident coming to the knowl- 
edge of the writer, who had formerly been pastor of the church of which 
these excellent sisters were members, the following lines were sent to the 
survivor.] 



CLING TO JESUS. 



"I, the Lord thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear 
not; I will help thee.'' — Isa. 41:13. "My soul followeth hard after Thee; 
Thy right hand upholdeth me."— Ps. 63:8. 



Cling to Jesus ! He will guide thee 

Safely through the storms of life ; 
Fearless tread life's rugged pathway, 

Though with ills and dangers rife. 
Naught can harm thee while thy Shepherd 

O'er thee holds His shielding rod; 
Naught shall harm thee, for thou passest 

Where the glorified have trod. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 17 

Cling to Jesus 'mid the wrestling 

Of temptation's darkest hour ! 
He will bring thee through the conflict; 

He will break the tempter's power. 
AU-sufflcient, in thy weakness, 

Shall His power and mercy prove, 
While, with tenderest care, He gently 

O'er thee spreads His wing of love. 

Cling to Jesus ! In His fullness 

All thy wants shall be supplied; 
Though all earthly ties be sundered, 

Thou shalt in His love abide. 
Soon, — through every toil and danger, 

Safe beneath His watchful eye, — 
Soon shalt thou, a pilgrim stranger. 

Reach thy glorious home on high. 



18 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 



GIFTS OP GRACE. 

'What hast thou that thou didst not receive?"—! Cor, 4 : 7. 

Oh! what am I, that I should know 

The bliss of sins forgiven ? — 
Should press with hope from things below, 

To reach the prize of heaven ? 

Oh ! what am I, that God should deign 

My feeble powers t' employ 
In work where angels, though in vain, 

Might emulate the joy ? 

Oh ! what am I, that on this heart 
The power of Christ should rest, 

While in the strength His gifts impart, 
My soul is fully blest? 



MEMOBIAL HYMNS. 19 

Oh ! what am I, that I should taste 

The sweetness of His love ? — 
Should find its joys my rich repast, 

And all its fullness prove ? 

Oh ! what am I, that I may trust 

His faithful promise still? 
His sovereign grace is all my boast, 

Mj sole desire His will. 



20 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 



HEAVENLY GUIDANCE. 
"I will guide thee witt mine eye." — Ps. 32: 8. 

Fathee, by Thy tender love, 

Lead me througli this world of sin; 
While mine eye is fixed above, 

May Thy Spirit dwell within. 
'Mid the dangers of the way, 

Let my hope on Thee rely, 
While I hear thee gently say, 

" I will guide thee with mine eye.'' 

Let me ne'er in anguish faint. 
At the hidings of Thy face; 

Check each rising, sad complaint. 
With the presence of Thy grace. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 21 

SliOTild I, wliere the billows roll, 
See the threatening breakers nigh, 

Whisper to my trembling soul, 

"I^dll guide thee with mine eye. 



" Safely o'er life's raging sea 

"I will guide thy tossing barkj 
" Still confide the helm to me, 

" Though thy way be rough and dark. 
" Till the storms of life shall cease, 

" I will guide thee with mine eye, — 
^' Gruide thee to the port of peace, — ' 

" Gruide thee to thy home on high." 



22 MEMOEIAIi HYMNS. 



TEUST m GOD. 
"Be not anxious for the morrow." — Mat. 6 : 34. 

Be not anxious for the morrow; 

Trust thy Father's faithful care ; 
Cast on Him each rising sorrow; 

Thou shalt all His fullness share. 

Art thou not thyself the creature 
Of His all-providing hand? 

Author of thy very nature, 

Knows He not its full demand? 

Wilt thou, 'mid the boundless treasure 
Which His power and love provide, 

Doubt that in sufficient measure 
All thy wants shall be supplied ? 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 23 

See the fowls ! thy heavenly Father 

Kindly listens to their cry : 
What His hands provide they gather — 

Will He not thy need supply? 

Lo, the lilly, in its splendor, 

Stands the witness of His power ! 

So His care to thee, more tender, 
To thy never-failing dower. 

First of all, amid thy striving, 

Seek the kingdom of His grace, — 

Seek the good, the joy of living 

In flis heaven-wrought righteousness. 

Seek, above all worldly pleasure, 

Seek to do His blessed will. — 
Need'st thou aught of earthly treasure ? 

He will all thy wishes fill. 



24 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 



HE WILL STKENGTHEN THY HEART. 



"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage; and He shall strengthen thy 
heart."— Ps. 27 -14. 



Oh ! wait on the Lord ! He will strengthen tliy heart 

For the duties and conflicts of life; 
Trust thou in the aid which His grace doth impart, 

And summon thy soul for the strife. 

He will strengthen thy heart for each difficult task 
Which His service requires at thy hands; 

He invites thee to come, and with confidence ask 
For the strength which thy weakness demands. 

He will strengthen thy heart when thy foes shall arise, 
And against thee their forces combine; 

Thou shalt meet them unruffled by fear or surprise. 
Arrayed in the armor divine. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 25 

He will strengthen thy heart to encounter the cross, 

And to bear it with patience and joy; 
No reproach or denial of self for His 'cause 

Shall the peace of thy spirit destroy. 

He will strengthen thy heart though thy pathway be 
dark, 

And the future all hid from thy sight; 
As He guides through the tempest in safety thy bark, 

He will cheer thee with ' songs in the night.' 

He will strengthen thy heart when, — thy pilgrimage 
o'er, — 

Thou hast reached the dark river of death : 
Thou shalt pass through its waves to the opposite shore 

With a firm and unwavering faith. 

Then wait on the Lord — He will strengthen thy heart 

For the duties and conflicts of life ; 
Thou art safe, in the aid which His grace doth impart, 

To meet and encounter the strife. 



26 MEMORIAL HYMI^^S. 



THE BETTER LAND. . 
"But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly." — Heb. 11 : 16. 

Oh ! land of joy ! where not a tear 
Shall dim the eye of perfect faith, — 

Where perfect trust excludes all fear, 
Beyond the realm of sin and death ! 

Oh ! land of rest ! where toil is o'er, — 
Where anxious cares and conflicts cease, — 

Where restless thoughts obtrude no more 
To mar the perfect reign of peace ! 

Oh! land of holiness and love! 

So fair, and beautiful, and bright 1 
Where all around, beneath, above. 

Reflects the perfect law of right ! 



MEMOKIAL HYMNS. 27 

Hope binds me to this heavenly land 

With firm, indissoluble bond, 
Whilst yet I wait on Jordan's strand, 

To tread the shining fields beyond. 



LIGHT IN DARKNESS. 



■ Oh ! send out Thy light and. Thy truth ; let them lead me." — Ps. 43 



Thou, the Fount of light ! 

Who didst, with piercing ray, 
Break through the dark chaotic night, 
And bring the primal day ! 

Wilt Thou with purer light 
Through all my spirit shine ; 

And pour upon my quickened sight 
The beams of love divine. 



28 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 

Tliougli not an outward ray 

Be cast around my head, — 
Ik 
Though clouds and darkness o'er my way 

In thickest gloom he spread; — 

Yet in the precious light 

Thou dost to faith reveal, 
May I, with vision clear and bright, 

Discern Thy blessed will. 

May I Thy glory see, 

And mark Thy wise designs, 

And know that goodness, full and free. 
Through all the darkness shines. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 29 



THE PEACE OF GOD. 



"My peace I give unto you." — "Aud your joy no man taketli from 
you." — John, 14 : 27; 16 : 22. "Aud tlie peace of God which passeth all 
understanding, shall keep your heai-ts and minds through Christ Jesus." 
—Phil. 4:7. 



Oh ! sacred peace ! the peace of God ! 

The peace His love imparts ! 
Shed thy sweet influence o'er our life, 

And rule and keep our hearts. 

Within these sin-distracted minds 

Thy blessed reign assert, 
And oft as inward tumults rise 

Thy healing power exert. 

Howe'er the varied scenes of life 
Are fraught with care or grief, 

'T is thine from every restless thought 
To brino; a sure relief. 



30 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 



We yield our souls to Thy control, 
Tliou glorious Prince of peace : 

Thy reigu is life, and light, and joy; 
Nor shall its blessings cease. 



I LIFT UP MY SOUL UNTO THEE. 



"Hear my prayer, O Lord." — "Cause me to know the way wherein 
I should walk ; for I lift tip my soul unto Thee." — " Teach me to do 
Thy will; for Tbou art my God."— Ps. 143: 1, 8, 10. 



I LIFT up my soul unto Thee, 

Thou of all fullness possessed ! 
In Thy mercy now smile upon me; 

Oh ! deign to receive my request. 

I ask not for honor or fame; 

1 ask not for wealth or for power; 
I would gladly, despising the shame. 

Accept of the cross as my dower. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 31 

I ast not for pleasure or ease 

In exchange for this militant strife, 

Nor sigh for untimely release 

From the toils and the conflicts of life. 

I ask Thee for grace to pursue 
■ With patience the path of Thy will, — 
That the work Thou hast given me to do, 
I may meekly and wisely fulfill. 

I ask for the presence and light 

Of Thy life-giving Spirit and love, — 

That my steps may be guided aright 
Till I enter the city above. 



32 MEMOEIAIi HYMNS. 



MY TIMES AEE IN THY HAND. 



" Thou wilt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to 
glory."— Ps. 31 : 15 ; 73 : 24. 



Fathek, whate'er of grief or toil 
Thy love for me has wisely planned, 

I would not from my lot recoil, 

Since all my times are in Thy hand. 

Each trial of my faith shall bind 
My heart to Thee with firmer band, 

While this sweet thought pervades my mind, 
My times are in my Father's hand. 

And when, from ' tribulation ' free. 

Among the 'blood-washed' throng I stand, 

Sweet will the recollection be. 

My times were all within Thy hand. 



MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 



"WALKING BY FAITH, 



"He endured, as seeing Him wlio is invisible." — Heb. 11 : 27. 



Faith points with clear, unerring light, 

Along the narrow road ; 
It bids us choose the path of right, 

And leave the end with Grod. 



'T is not for mortal eye to scan 

His unrevealed designs ; 
Faith trusts the wisdom of His plan, 

And on His truth reclines. 



It lifts the soul from worldly aims, 

To live upon His word; 
And in the promised good it claims 

It finds its full reward. 



34 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 

Oh ! may this faith with reigning power 

Possess my inmost soul; 
I fain would give each passing hour 

To its beniffn control. 



LIVING TO CHRIST. 



" The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son 
of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." — Gal. 2 : 20. 



Jesus, by Thy precious merit, 
Free me from the guilt of sin ; 

By Thine all-creative Spirit 
Form my nature pure within. 

Make me humble, make me holyj 
May my heart with love i o'erflow ; 

Make me kind and meek and lowly, 
As Thou wast while here below. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 35 

Humbly on Thy holy altar 

Life, with all its hopes, I lay; 
Leave, 0, leave me not to falter; 

Help me still to watch and pray. 

Following in the path of duty, 
Free from anxious care and strife, 

May I serve Thee in the beauty 
Of a pure and heavenly life. 



36 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 



THE CHRISTIAN PILGfRIM. 



"If ye be risen witli Clirist, seek tliose things which ai"e above." — "Of 
whom the whole family in heaven and earth, is named." — Col. 3:1; 
Eph. 3 : 15. 



Joint-heir with Clirist, this world 

Is Hot thy final home ; 
Thou hast a brighter land in view; 

It lies beyond the tomb. 

The time thou passest here, 
Is for thy journey given ; 

Soon "thou wilt reach thy journey's end, 
To spend thy life in heaven. 

'T is there thy treasure lies ; 

^T is there thy friends reside ; 
'T is there, within thy Father's house, 

Thou ever shalt abide. 



MEMORIAL HYMSrS. 37 

Then why should things of earth 

Thy constant thoughts employ ? 
Why loiter in thy heavenly course, 

To find in these thy joy ? 

Oh ! fix thine eye of faith 

On things heyond thy sight, 
And press, with quick, determined step, 

To reach that land of light. 

Nor think it strange to find 

Thy path a thorny maze; — 
This world is not thy place of rest; 

These are thy pilgrim days. 

And if thou wouldst at last 

The pilgrim's joy secure. 
Thou must the pilgrim's path pursue, 

The pilgrim's toil endure. 

Nor wilt thou, when thy soul 

Has gained that world of bliss, 
Regret the hardships of thy^ way, 

Or wish thy sufferings less. 



38 MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 



RESPONSE OF GRATITUDE. 



" God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." 
—Gal. 6:14.' 



To Thee, my Saviour and my King, 

On whom my hope relies. 
To Thee my sinful self I bring, 

A living sacrifice. 

My heart, responsive to Thy grace, 

In Thee shall find its joy; 
Thy kingdom and Thy righteousness 

Shall all my powers employ. 

Why should the world my thoughts engross ? 

Or claim my constant care ? 
Why shoul^ I shrink to take the cross, 

Which Thou Thyself didst bear ? 



MEMORIAL HTMKS. 39 

In toil, 0, let me find my rest, — 

My life, in deatli with Thee; 
Thy conscious love shall make me blest, 

Whate'er my lot may be. 



HEAVENLY LIGHT. 



" Who liath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.- 
1 Pet. 2 : 19. 



Enweapped in sin's bewildering night, 
By darkening tempests driven, 

In Grod alone we find the light 
Of peace, and hope, and heaven. 

On lis His truth benignly gleams. 

To guide our souls above; 
On us He sheds the radiant beams 

Of His forgiving love. 



40 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 

On us His Spirit sweetly shines 
With His all-quickening rays ; 

Love, trust and joy pervade our minds. 
And every thought is praise. 

heavenly light ! shine o'er our path 
While fears and sins annoy; 

Led by thy beams, we'll walk by faith 
To perfect light and joy. 



MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 41 



IN THE HOUSE OP MY PILGEIMAGE. 



" Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. I 
have remembered Thy name, O Lord, in the night." — Ps. 119 : 54, 55. 



I]sr the house of my pilgrimage, Lord, 
Thy statutes have been my delight; 

I have sweetly reposed on Thy word. 

And remembered Thy name in the night. 

Thy name is the ground of my hope ; 

I trust in Thy mercy and truth, — 
Thou who hast holden me up, 

And guided my steps from my youth ! 

In the night of affliction and care 

Light beams on my path from above; 

Each trial Thou call'st me to bear, 
I accept as a token of love. 



43 MEMORIAL, HYMNS. 

Attuned to the voice of Thy rod, 
My heart shall delight in Thy will, 

While I sing of Thy goodness, '0 Grod, 
In the house of my pilgrimage, still. 



HEAVENLY ASPIKATION. 



" Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto 
Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith."— Heb. 12: 1, 2. 



My Grod, to Thy supreme control, 

My all I would resign; 
Oh ! come and sanctify my soul, 

And make me wholly Thine. 

Oh ! is there aught in earth to lure 
My heart from Thee astray? 

Soon will its joys, at best impure. 
For ever pass away. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 43 

Oil ! is there aught in self to claim 

The love Thou dost require ? 
Oh ! be Thy service all my aim ; 

Thy will, my sole desire. 

Oh ! is there aught in sin to tempt 

The soul that, once renewed. 
Seeks from its power to be exempt. 

And find its all in Grod ? 



Jesus ! set me wholly free 
From earth and self and sin ; 

Thou only canst complete for me 
The work Thou didst begin. 



44 MEMORIAL HYMNSi 



CASTINa OUR CARE ON GOD. 

" Casting all your care upon Him ; for He caretli for you." — 1 Pet. 5 : 7. 

Cheistian", dost thou meet with trial ? 

Is thy path of duty here 
Fraught with grief and self-denial ? , 

Are thy prospects dark and drear ? — 
Let not hope and courage fail thee, 

Nor the eye of faith grow dim ; 
Trust in Grod, whate'er assail thee, 

Casting all thy care on Him — 

Him who gave thee life and being, — 
Him who orders all thy way, — 

Him whose watchful eye, all-seeing, 
Gruides and guards thee day by day, — 



Marks as well the falling sparrow. 
As the light-crowned seraphim. — 

Gro, and tell to Him thy sorrow, 
Casting all thy care on Him. 



■ Oh ! how rich the consolation 

Which this gracious word imparts! 
Precious, joyous invitation! 

Solace of our burdened hearts ! 
With thy light, serenely shining, 

Sweetly on our spirits beam; 
Gently on His breast reclining. 

May we cast our care on Him. 



46 MEMOEIAIi HYMNS. 



IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD, 
"I will go in tlie strength of the Lord God."— Ps, 71: 16. 

I WILL go in the strength of the Lord, 

In the path He hath marked for my feetj 
I will follow the light of His word, 

Nor shrink from the dangers I meet. 
His presence my steps shall attend; 

His fullness my wants shall supply; 
On Him, till my journey shall end, 

My hope shall securely rely. 

I will go in the strength of the Lord, 
To the work He appoints me to do; 

In the joy which His smile shall afford. 
My soul shall her vigor renew. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 47 



His power will protect me from harm, 
His grace my sufficiency prove; 

I will trust His omnipotent arm ; 
I will rest in His covenant love. 



CONPIDENCE IlSr SUBMISSION. 
"Be still, and. know that I am God."— Ps. 46: 10. 

How kind the words of trutli and grace, 

To eacli believing, contrite heart ! 
So fraught with hope and joy and peace. 

And blessings earth could ne'er impart ! 
"Be not dismayed, whate'er thy lot, 

"Nor faint beneath my chastening- rod; 
" Rest in my love, and murmur not, — 

" Be still, and know that I am Grod. 



48 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 

" Thougli hosts of hell, with secret art, 
" Or threatening mien, beset thy path, 

" Let faith repel each fiery dart, 

" Nor fear to meet their fiercest wrath. 

" Fear not to reach the promised land 
"Along the way thy Saviour trod; 

" Fear not thy Father's guiding hand, — 
• " Be still, and know that I am Grod/^ 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 49 



SUFFICIENCY IN GOD. 



" GrOd is tlie strengtii of my heart, and my portion forever." — "The Lord 
is my light and my salvation ; whom shall I fear ? the Lord is the strength 
of my life ; of vrhom shall I be afraid?" — Ps. 73 : 26 ; 27 : 1. 



O GrOD, I will walk in Tliy liglit; 

Thou still art tlie strengtii of my heart ; 
In my weakness I rest in Thy might; 

My trust and my portion Thou art. 

Of all upon earth or in heaven 
Thou only shalt fill my desire ; 

The nature Thy goodness has given. 
Alone to its Source shall aspire. 

Whilst devoutly intrusting my soul 
To the power of Thy covenant love, 

In Thy strength I will press to the goal, 
For the prize that awaits me above. 



50 MEMOEIAIi HTjVINS. 



IN REMEMBRANCE OE ME. 



''This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you." 
-Luke 22 : 20. 



Oh ! love divine ! Oh ! niatcliless grace ! 

Whict in this sacred rite 
Shines forth, so full, so free, in rays 

Of pure and living light ! 

Oh ! wondrous death ! Oh ! precious blood ! 

For us so freely spilt, 
To cleanse our sin-polluted souls 

From every stain of guilt ! 

Oh ! covenant of life and peace ! 

By blood and suffering sealed ! 
All the rich gifts of gospel grace 

Are here to faith revealed. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 51 

Jesus, we bow our souls to Thee, 

Our Life, our Hope, our All, 
While we, with thankful, contrite hearts, 

Thy dying love recall. 

Oh! may Thy pure and perfect laws 

Be written on our minds, 
Nor earth, nor self, nor sin obscure 

The ever radiant lines. 



52 ME3I0KIAL HYMJSrS. 



[The four hymns relating to the ChristLin Sabbath, including the one 
on pages 7 and 8, are designed to be suggestive of the various delight- 
ful and hallowed associations of the day, as contemplated with refer- 
ence to the past, the present and the future. It is by recalling de- 
voutly in sacred song these associations, that we are led, more effec- 
tually, perhaps, than by any other means, habitually to regard the 
day as "a delight," and thus secure to ourselves the benefit naturally 
resulting from the proper observance of it as " the Lord's day."] 



THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. 



"And He said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the Sab- 
bath."— Luke 6 : 5. 



Holy Sabbath ! Day of rest ! 

Brightly on our spirits dawn; 
Grod Plimself thine hours hath blessed, 

While He claims them as His own. 



Day on which our Light and Life 
Burst the dark, relentless tomb. 

Rising Conqueror in the strife, 
Casting light o'er all its gloom! 



MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 53 

Day of hope and joy and peace ! 

Earnest of that promised rest, 
When the cares of earth shall cease, 

Nor our sins shall more molest! 

May we spend thy sacred hours 
In that sweet and blest employ 

Which, inspiring all our powers, 
Brings the light of heavenly joy.— • 

May we, joyous in our Head, 
View Him, in His deathless love 

Pointing, as He leaves the dead, 
To our glorious Eest above. 



54 MEMOEIAL HTMjSTS. 



m THE SPIRIT (OK THE LORD'S DAY. 



" I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and hearcT behind me a great 
voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the 
last."— "I am He that liveth, and was dead, and, behold, I am alive for 
evermore, Amen ; and have the keys of hell and of death." — Rev. 1 : 10, 
11, 18. 



In tlie Spirit, — on tlie Lord's day, — 

Let me spend eacli sacred liour; 
Let me feel tlie quickening influence 

Of His resurrection power. 
Not to view His heavenly glory 

In some rapt, prophetic trance, 
But to know His milder presence 

In His courts, my spirit pants. 



In the Spirit, all-submissive, 

Let me seek to know His will, — 

Seek for strength to do His pleasure, 
And His righteousness fulfill. 



MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 55 

Let me view Him as my Saviour, 

Once for all entlironed above; 
Let me taste anew tlie sweetness 

Of His resurrection love. 



In tlie Spirit let me praise Him 

For His free, atoning grace. 
While my thankful heart, exultant, 

Tunes my voice, to sweetest lays, — 
Praise Him for the new creation 

Through His resurrection given, — 
Praise Him for the hope and. earnest 

Of a glorious rest in heaven. 

In the Spirit, — on the Lord's day,—. 

Let me spend each sacred hour; 
Let me feel the quickening influence 

Of His resurrection power. 
Let me view Him as my Saviour, 

Once for all enthroned above; 
Let me taste anew the sweetness 

Of His resurrection love. 



56 ■; MEMORIAL HYMITS. 



DAY OP FREEDOM. 



" Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when 
the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the 
Jews, came Jesus, and stood in the midst, and saith unto them. Peace be 
unto you." — '' And after eight days again. His disciples were within, and 
Thomas with them : then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in 
the midst, and said, Peace be unto you." — John 20 : 19, 26. 



Day of freedom sweet and Loly ! 

Grlad we hail tliy bursting rays; 
Fain would we, with spirits lowly, 

Spend thine hours in prayer and praise. 

Jesus, Master, deign to bless us ; 

May we sweetly rest in Thee; 
As from toil Thou dost release us, 

So from sin now make us free. 



Freed from all the cares of business, 
On Thy breast we would recline; 

May Thy Spirit gently witness 

With our hearts, that we are Thine. 



MEMORIAL HTMNS. 57 

"With th' assurance of Thy favor, 
Husli to peace each, inward strife, 

WTiile Thy word shall prove the savor 
Of a soul-transforming life. 

Hail the day which Grod's Anointed 
From the bands of death released! 

Hail the day by Heaven appointed 
Pledge of an eternal rest! 



58 MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 



AN EVENING HYMN OE PRAISE. 



"It is a good, thing to give tlianks unto the Lord, and to sing praises 
unto Thy name, O Most Higli ; — to show forth Thy loving-kindness in the 
morning, and Thy faithfulness every night. — For Thou, Lord, hast made 
me glad through Thy work : I will ti'iumph in the works of Thy hands." 
— " The Lord will command His loving-kindness in the day-time ; and 
in the night His song shall be with me."— Ps, 92 : 1, 2 ; 42: 8. 



Thy song shall be witli me, Grod, in tlie night, 

Ere slumber my eyelids shall close ; 
I will find in Thy worship unming'led delight. 

As my spirit is hushed to repose. 

I will sing of the proofs, in the works Thou hast made, 

Of Thine infinite wisdom and power ; 
I will sing of Thy goodness so richly displayed 

In the multiform gifts of each hour. 

I will sing of Thy love which in Christ is revealed, — 
Of the griefs which for me He endured, — 

Of the blood which Thy covenant of mercy hath sealed, 
And the gift of redemption procured. 



MEMOKIAL iHTMlSrS. 5:9 

I will sing of that land where no sorrows intrude, 

No storm-cloud or night shall return, 
But each beauteous scene shall with rapture be viewed 

In the light of perpetual morn. 



I LAID ME DOWN AND SLEPT. 



"I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 
Ps. 3 : 5. 



I LAID me down and slept; 

Thy power sustained my breath ; 
Else silent o'er my frame had crept 

The chilling hand of death. 

I laid me down and slept, 

Prom ill securely free: 
Oh! may the life which Thou hast kept, 

Be given alone to Thee. 



60 MBMOKIAL HYMIfS. 



A THANKSGIVIlSra HYMN. 



" O that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His 
wonderful works to the children of men." — Ps. 107 : 8, 



My Father, I praise Thee, whose goodness extends 

As wide as the wants of Thy creatures demand. 
How countless the favors Thy providence sends ! 

How varied the gifts of Thy bountiful hand ! 
Where'er I abide, or where'er I may rove, 

Through city or country, o'er mountain or glen, 
Enraptured I gaze on the proofs of Thy love 

In Thy wonderful works toward the children of men 



On Thy hand doth the weakness of infancy rest. 
Upheld and supplied by Thy provident care; 

By childhood and youth is Thy bounty confessed; 
In manhood how freely Thy mercies we share ! 



MEMOEIAIi HYMNS. 61 

E'en down to old age dotli Tty goodness extend, 
Unmarked by tlie limit of tliree score and ten. 

So benignly on each do Tliy blessings descend 

In Tby wonderful works toward tlie children of men ! 



But in costlier gifts, when our ransom was paid, 

Did Thy wisdom the strength of Thy kindness reveal — 
The Son of Thy love on the altar was laid ! 

And Thy Spirit Thou gavest His mission to seal ! 
What riches of mercy, in radiant lines. 

Were displayed to the view of the universe then ! 
Unveiling the depth of Thy gracious designs 

In Thy wonderful works toward the children of men ! 



Oh ! ne'er may the gifts of Thy grace be despised, 

Or the guilty the claims of Thy mercy disown; 
I accept of the pardon Thy love has devised, 

As in thankful contrition I bow at Thy throne. 
But Oh ! when I reach the bright mansions above. 

With my glorified powers I will praise Thee again, — 
The theme of my song Thine unspeakable love 

In Thy wonderful works toward the children of men. 



62 MEMORIAL IIYlNESrS. 



NATIONAL THANKSGIVING. 

[1863.] 

" Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto Thee do we give thanks; 
for that Thy name is near Thy wondroiis works declare." — Ps'. 15: 1. 

Oh! praise the Grod of mercies, 

Whose kind and bounteous hand 
His varied gifts disperses 

Wide o'er our favored land! 
He gives us Hfe and reason; 

He gives us food and health; 
While each returning season 

Renews its stores of wealth. 



Praise Him for social pleasures, — 
For pure affection's glow, 

Exceeding all the treasures 
Which wealth could e'er bestow. 



MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 63 

Praise Him for freedom's blessing, — 
For wise and wliolesome laws, — 

For signs of good expressing 
The strength of virtue's cause. 

Praise Him whose boundless favor 

The word of grace imparts, 
With life-renewing savor, 

To bless and cheer our hearts. 
Oh ! let a chastened nation 

In humble thanks draw near 
To Him whose rich salvation 

Has marked and crowned the year. 

Though foes have pressed us sorely, 

And waged the deadly strife. 
His guardian hand securely 

Has held the nation's life. 
Our cause, by Thee defended, 

Grod, we trust to Thee, 
That peace and freedom, blended, 

May reign fkoziI sea to sea. 



64 MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 



HAPPY CHILDREN. 



(AS ENJOYING CHRISTIAN INSTEXTCTION IN THE FAMILY OR SABBATH SCHOOL.) 



" And that from a child, thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which 
are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith that is in Christ 
Jesus."— 2 Tim. 3 : 15. 



Happy children ! taught to know, 

From the hook which God has given, 

How to serve Him here below, 

How to reign with Him in heaven ! 

Happy children ! taught to tread 
Wisdom's ways in early youth! 

By its gentle teachings led, 

Choose ye now the path of truth. 

Happy children! taught to pray 
In Immanuel's worthy name, 

Seeking freely, as ye may. 

Blessings angels ne'er can claim. 



MEMORIAL HYMNS. 65 

Happy children ! tauglit to sing 

Of the Saviour's dying love ! 
Hither, with your voices, bring 

Hearts to join the choir above. — 

With the winged seraphim, 

Here unite to praise His name. 
Chanting that celestial hymn, — 

"Worthy, worthy is the Lamb. 

"Blessing, honor, glory, power, 

"Be the Him who fills the throne, 

"And the Lamb, for evermore; — 
"Thou art worthy. Thou alone.'' 

Happy children! taught to live. 

Striving each for others' good ! 
Freely blessed, as freely give; 

Let no selfish thoue;ht intrude. 



Happy children ! when ye die, 
With yoiir lives to Jesus given. 

Ye shall find His presence nigh. 
He will bring your souls to heaven. 



66 MEMORIAL HYMNS. 



COME TO JESUS, LITTLE ONE. 

Come to Jesus, little one ; 

Come to Jesus now; 
Humbly at His gracious throne 

In submission bow. 

At His feet confess your sin ; 

Seek forgiveness tbere ; — 
For His blood can make you clean; 

He will bear your prayer. 

Seek His face without delay; 

Grive Him now yoiir heart ; 
Tarry not, but, while you may, 

Choose the better part. 

Come to Jesus, little one ; 

Come to Jesus now; 
Humbly at His gracious throne 

In submission bow. 



MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 67 



[The following bymn, written with special reference to the work 
which is being performed by the Toung Men's Christian Association, 
is equally adapted to the case of Sabbath School Teachers, and of 
all who have it within their power to promote the religious benefit 
of the youth of our land. 

Civil warfare for the defence of personal rights, or the maintenance 
of just government, is usually justified on the ground that it is essen- 
tially defensive in its design and character. The Christian warfare, 
having for its object to restore man from the long usurped dominion 
of evil to his proper allegiance to God, is necessarily aggressive. 
As such, however, its " weapons are not carnal," although they 
may become "mighty through God to the pulling down of strong 
holds." 2 Cor. X, 4, 5.] 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 



"And take— the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."- 
Eph. 6 : 17. 



Christian" soldier, take thine armor j 
Meet the hosts of sin and hell; 

Nerve thy s^Dirit for the conflict; 
Every thought of fear repel. 

Faithful to thy heavenly mission, 
Valiant for the cause of truth, 

Eescue from the fell destroyer, 

While thou may'st, thy country's youth. 



68 MEMOEIAIi HYMN'S. 

Thine is not tlie deadly contest, 

Fra-uglit with crime, or marked with gorej 
Truth and kindness are thy weapons, 

Wielded by the Spirit's power. 

Thine is not some earthly laurel, 
Withering on its broken stem^ 

Living gems of deathless value, 
Wait to deck thy diadem. 



MEMOEIAL HYMNS. 69 



fELLOAY-HELPERS. 
That -we might be fellow-helpers to the truth."— 3 John, 8. 

Fellow-helpees to the trutli ! 

Army of tlie living God ! 
Onward to the contest move ; 

Spread your banners far abroad. 
Take the sword the Spirit gives; 

Take the pure and living word ; 
Claim each realm, by Satan held, 

In the name of Christ, your Lord, 



Fellow-helpers to the truth ! 

Lift your eyes j the fields are white : 
Precious fruit over all the plain 

Doth the reaper's toil invite. 



70 MEMORIAL HYMKS. 

Enter now the harvest field, 
With united heart and hand 

Hark ! a thousand urgent calls 
All your energies demand. 



Eellow-helpers to the truth ! 

Witness to its quickening power, 
Till the sound of life and peace 

Echo back from every shore. 
By the love of Christ constrained. 

Heaven's appointed work fulfill; 
Here present your choicest gifts. 

Life and wealth and active zeal 



MEilOEI^XX HYMXS. 71 



WELCOME, BROTHER, TO THY STATION. 

(ORIGINALLY SUNG AT AN ORDINATION.) 



" And to esteem tliem very biglily iu love for their work's sake. 
1 Tliess. 5: 13. 



Welcome, brother, to thy station; 

"Welcome to thy work of love ; 
Come, commissioned by the Spirit; 

Bring thy message from above. 

As a chosen, faithful watchman. 
Hold thy guard o-n Zion's wall; 

As a Heaven-appointed herald, 
Loud proclaim the gospel's call. 

Welcome, brother, to thy station; 

Welcome to its toils and cares; 
Welcome to our hearts' affection ; 

Welcome to our fervent jorayers. 



72 MEMOKIAL HYMEN'S. 



DOXOLOGY. 



The Father, the Son, and the Spirit ! 

The Grocl we, with angels, adore ! 
Thy blessing we fain would inherit ; 

The pledge of Thy love we implore. 



With the will of the Father in union, 
With the grace of Immanuel blest, 

With the Spirit in holy communion, 
We would e'er in Thy covenant rest. 



